Defence and Security Research

Unless the activity is funded by a UK government department or one of its funding arms, due diligence should be completed to assess the suitability of external partnerships.  For more information please refer to the Due Diligence Framework for External University Activity (internal access only) or contact res.policy@ncl.ac.uk.  

All research and innovation activities must comply with professional, legal and ethical standards relevant to the subject discipline.  Ethical approval must be in place before work on the project begins.  

If the project is funded by a UK government department, external ethical approval may be required.  All other projects must be approved internally by completing the University's online ethics form.  

As part of the ethical review process applicants should consider:

• The ethical track record of the funder / partner
• The intended end-use of the technology or 'know-how'
• How the research will enhance the privacy and security of citizens, institutions and industry
• The unintended consequences of the research on infrastructure, communities, animals or the environment
• Where possible, what actions will be taken to minimise the potential risks

Researchers may also refer to the guidance on Responsible Research Innovation.  

In accordance with the Joint Service Publication (JPS) 536, all research involving human participants conducted or sponsored by any government department is subject to external ethical review by the Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee (MODREC).  This ensures that acceptable ethical standards are upheld and recorded, adhering to nationally and internationally accepted principles and guidance.  

For more information please refer to the external MODREC guidance or contact res.policy@ncl.ac.uk. 

Newcastle University is registered with several defence and security supplier frameworks, including: R-Cloud portal, Accelerated Capability Environment (ACE) and the Serapis framework.  

Additional security clearances (such as BPSS checks) may also be required by individual researchers for specific projects.  University colleagues are encouraged t review the eligibility criteria before submitting an application for funding.  The cost of security clearances should be built into the proposal.  

Colleagues and students should also be aware that an Export Licence may be required to share information, data and equipment relating to controlled technology with international partners.  For more information please refer to the University's guidance on Export Control or complete an Export Control Query Form.